Posted on November 9, 2011

BBYO Receives $1.9 Million From Jim Joseph Foundation

BBYO, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit working to provide Jewish teens with meaningful Jewish experiences, has announced a three-year, $1.9 million grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation.

The grant will provide support for BBYO's new five-year strategic plan, which aims to strengthen the delivery of Judaic experiences to teens, by creating Director of Jewish Enrichment positions in three key geographic hubs. The new directors will function as a team of "educational entrepreneurs" and work with teen leaders, volunteer adult advisors, and program leaders to impact the full spectrum of BBYO programming, from local and regional events to international travel programs.

The grant follows on the heels of new BBYO research which found that students participating in the organization's programs are more inclined to hold leadership roles in their community and remain connected to their Jewish heritage, family, and friends. "Research has proven that Israel trips, summer specialty camps, and youth groups have a powerful impact on teens, and BBYO is a leader in all three of these areas," said Jim Joseph Foundation board chair Al Levitt. "Providing BBYO the opportunity to expand on its program excellence through an infusion of talented Jewish educators is a win for the entire Jewish community."